Nova Scotia celebrated the contributions of community volunteers on Monday night at the annual Provincial Volunteer Awards ceremony in Halifax. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentCommunity volunteers across Nova Scotia were honoured at the 51st annual Provincial Volunteer Awards ceremony in Halifax on Monday.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentA volunteer from each municipality and Mi’kmaw community was selected to receive an individual Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding service at the community level.Article contentArticle contentMore than 410,000 Nova Scotians volunteer each year, contributing almost 79 million hours of service, according to the province.Article contentArticle content“Volunteers are the heart of our province,” said Dave Ritcey, minister responsible for the voluntary sector, in a news release. “Their service makes a lasting impact – strengthening communities, inspiring hope and reminding us that Nova Scotia is at its best when we look out for one another.”Article contentThe major award winners were:Article contentMaria Ivy Jovellanos is the first recipient of the Newcomer Volunteer Award for her work with the 2023 Lawn Summer Nights fundraiser in Halifax, supporting Cystic Fibrosis Canada.Article contentCyril O’Brien was the recipient of the Youth Volunteer Award for his efforts with the HRM Youth Advisory Committee.Article contentThe Family Volunteer Award went to the Leard family for their contributions as volunteer firefighters and members of the local ladies’ auxiliary.Article contentBlaise Sampson was named the Nova Scotia Strong award winner. Sampson, a volunteer with the St. Peters Volunteer Fire Department, also serves the community food bank.Article contentArticle contentLoretta Gould of Waycobah First Nation was the artist for the 2025 Nova Scotia Strong award.Article content“Volunteering is one of the noblest ways to serve, showing that genuine care for others can move communities forward,” said Jovellanos, in a news release. “It also sets a beautiful example for other provinces – and even other countries – on how deeply rooted and respected volunteerism can be when recognized as part of a province’s identity and values.”Article contentThe following are the community award winners:Article contentCape Breton regionArticle contentMichael MacMillan, CBRMCharlie Martell, RichmondDarlene Boudreau, InvernessFrancis Xavier Doucette, Potlotek First NationAnnie Beaton, Port HawkesburyNorma Gould, We’koqma’q First NationAudrey Ann Pierro, Wagmatcook First NationNancy Cronin, Victoria CountyBuster Matthews, MembertouArticle contentCentral regionArticle contentBarb Charteris, HRMJonathan Frontain, HRMLayla Hussain, HRMRick Burns, HRMValar Kaliaperumal, HRMJohn Macfie, HRMJoyce Jiahuan Liu, HRMNick Yeoman, HRMSharon Arsenault, HRMYasmin Hampshire, HRMDale Bernard, Paqtnkek
Nova Scotia honours work of community volunteers at awards ceremony
